The Grackle

Observations, Reflections and Miscellany from the Wacoan

Top Things to do in Waco

October 19

2 months ago

By Skylla Mumana

With fall now upon us, a new, exciting batch of events are here for all to enjoy. Wherever you choose to explore, make sure to tag us @Wacoan and use #WacoWeekend for a chance to be featured. 

Through the Weekend:

Silobration

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Get ready to silo-brate Waco. Silobration is back for Magnolia’s 20th anniversary. From October 19–21, enjoy daytime activities, live music, artisan vendors, food trucks, lawn games, special pop-ups, book signings and much more. Silobration will be located at The Silos, 601 Webster Ave. 

Austin Avenue Art Fair

Calling all creatives, the Austin Avenue Art Fair will be held from October 19–21. The event will have artist booths, live music, live art, food and drinks all day. 

Kasia Krecicka Pop-Up Exhibit: Art Center Waco 

Art Center Waco, 701 S 8th St, is hosting a pop-up exhibit for contemporary abstract artist Kasia Krecicka. The exhibit will run from October 19–24 in the Hulse Gallery. For more information, visit their website

Oktoberfest in the Silo District 

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Grab your beer and your favorite bratwurst and head over to the Magnolia Silos for their Oktoberfest. As part of their Silobration event, the Oktoberfest will run from October 19—21, where they will partner with The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill to bring delicious food and beer to LuluBelle’s Market. The event will also feature music from Joe Nicols, and Drake White & William Clark Green. Click here for more information. 

HERPS Waco Exotic Reptile & Pet Show

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From October 21—22, the HERPS Exotic Reptile and Pet Expo will be at the Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Avenue. Come see thousands of reptiles, amphibians, inverts, small mammals, feeders and suppliers all in one space. Get up close and personal with the best breeders in the country. Click here for more information

“Cabaret”

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Head over to Waco Civic Theatre, 1517 Lake Air Drive, for Silent House Theatre Company’s rendition of the Broadway hit “Cabaret”. Set in the 1930s, Joe Masteroff’s “Cabaret” is a musical filled with humor, unforgettable moments and heart-wrenching revelations. “Cabaret” promises to transport you into a tale of love, desire and truth through song and dance. Click here to purchase tickets

Brew at the Zoo

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Head over to Cameron Park Zoo, 1701 North 4th Street, for the 12th annual Brew at the Zoo. From October 2021, enjoy beer produced from regional breweries, food trucks and entertainment. Tickets start at $15. Click here to purchase tickets now

3rd Annual Sancho Rancho

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Sancho Rancho is throwing its third annual pumpkin patch each weekend from October 7–29th from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. This fun local event will include food trucks, games, petting zoos, hayrides and more. Car admission is $20 per car. Click here for more information.

Western Belle Pumpkin Festival 

Pumpkin & Apple Cannons

Western Belle Farm, 7929 Heritage Pkwy, West, TX, is hosting its annual Pumpkin Festival. From 10 a.m.—6 p.m., come celebrate autumn and enjoy free face painting, wagon rides, mini ziplining, apple cannons, pumpkin cannons and much more. Tickets start at $16, and children aged 2 and under are free.

Halloween Weekends at Camp Fimfo

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Camp Fimfo, 1000 Chickadee Lane, is hosting its annual Halloween Weekends for the Waco public to enjoy. This all-day event will have everything, such as fun scares, s’mores, haunted trails, costumes, magic pumpkin patches, decorating contests, bicycle parades and more. For more information visit their website.  

2023 Pumpkin Fest 10th Anniversary

Robinson Family Farm, 2651 Bob White Road, Temple, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of Pumpkin Fest. Pumpkin Fest is a seven-week celebration that offers fall activities and games for all to enjoy. Pumpkin Fest will be held every weekend from September 23—November 5 from 10 a.m.—8 p.m. Click here for more information.

XOXO: An Exhibit About Love & Forgiveness  

The Mayborn Museum has brought a new type of exhibit to Central Texas. XOXO: An Exhibit About Love & Forgiveness is a fun, interactive exhibit that teaches children and adults how to understand, appreciate and express emotions. The exhibit will run from September 17—January 7. Tickets start at $14. Click here for more information

Thursday, October 19

Open Paint

Hammer & Stain, 214 South 11th Street, is hosting an open paint event from 2—6 p.m. All are welcome to walk in and grab a project from their ‘open paint’ selection to create a special masterpiece. 

The Brazos Tea Party

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the historic “Boston Tea Party”. To celebrate, Baylor history students are staging a costumed interpretation of it called “The Brazos Tea Party”. From 3:305 p.m., the event will start at Tidwell Bible Building located at 575 James Avenue, and will end at Waco Creek Bridge. Click here for more information.  

Waco Pride Network Third Thursday Hangout

Waco Pride Network, Waco’s premier nonprofit LGBTQ+ organization, is hosting its monthly hangout. From 5:30—8 p.m., head over to Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits, 508 Austin Avenue, for an evening of relaxation and conversation. 

Cameron Park Road Ride

Join Bicycle World Waco, 112 Mary Ave Suite 1, for their Thursday ride at 6 p.m. Start at Bicycle World for a conversational, no-drop 2-mile ride to Cameron Park, where pacing will transition to the personal preference of each rider. Tail light and helmets are required. Click here for more information

Thicc Thursday 

Come on down and get ready to pump up your glutes at Thicc Thursday, hosted by TurnUP Waco, 2422 Columbus Avenue, from 6—7 p.m.

Steak Night

J.S. Barnett’s Whiskey House, 420 Franklin Ave, is hosting a steak night. From 6—9 p.m., come enjoy a beef filet, salad and two sides for $20, along with half-off bottles of wine. 

Sip N’ Speak 

THRST Coffee, 1500 Colcord Avenue, is back with its annual Sip ‘N’ Speak Poetry Night, hosted by April Neal. The event is from 6—9 p.m., and tickets can be purchased here

Smoke & Sip

Head over to Lounge ’93, 5401 Crosslake Parkway, Woodway, TX, for their Smoke & Sip. From 6:30—8:30 p.m., Lounge ’93 and Balcones Distillery will lead you through the best Balcones tasters to enjoy with a brand cigar on the patio. There will be live music by David Torretine. Seating is limited, and tickets are required. Click here to purchase tickets now.  

Darts Tournament 

Clicks’ Billiards, 1200 Richland Dr., is hosting its weekly darts tournament starting at 7 p.m.

Geeks who drink

Get your facts right because it’s Trivia Night at Truelove’s Bar, located at 414 Franklin Ave. This evening consists of 60 questions over a two-hour period starting at 7 p.m. There are plenty of chances to win free drinks and prizes throughout the evening!

Songwriter night with Jonna Mae, Texas Music Cafe, 7 p.m. 

Trivia Night

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It’s Thursday which means it’s Trivia Night at Brotherwell Brewing, located at 400 E Bridge St. Trivia is from 7—9:30 p.m. and each week covers different trivia topics. Be sure to bring a team that has a wide variety of knowledge!

Tastemaker Thursday

Riverfront Entertainment is hosting Tastemaker Thursdays at the Waco Hippodrome Theatre, 724 Austin Ave. From 7—10 p.m., dance the night away to live performances and a DJ set while having discounted drinks. No cover is required and a VIP after-party is available after the event.

John Mark McMillan, Common Grounds, 1123 South 8th Street, 8—11 p.m.  

Friday, October 20

Golf Camp Fridays

Bring your child to learn how to golf or freshen up their skills at Golf Camp Fridays, held by the Heart of Texas Golf Academy, 5608 Flat Rock Rd (located inside Lake Waco Golf Club). From 1:30—3:30 p.m.,  students will receive instruction from Class A PGA golf professional, Jon Antunes in areas such as the full swing, short game rules, etiquette and much more. This camp is for middle school students. Click here for more information.  

Brock Dewald, Lounge 93, 5401 Crosslsake Parkway, Woodway, TX, 6:30—9 p.m

Joel Wood, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, 1509 Hewitt Drive, 6:30—9:30 p.m. 

Pumpkin Carving Workshop

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Black Oak Art, 1619 Franklin Avenue, is hosting its annual Pumpkin Carving Workshop. From 6:30—7:30 p.m., come carve your own pumpkin and decorate it however you want. Refreshments will be provided. All experience levels are welcome. Click here to purchase tickets. 

Josh Banard, Camp Fimfo Waco, 1000 Chickadee Lane, 7—9 p.m. 

Okay Love, Cultivate 7Twelve, 712 Austin Ave, 7—10 p.m. 

Bruce Carbonara, The Blue Dog Wine and Martini Bar, 2004 N. Valley Mills Drive, 8—11 p.m. 

Joe Nichols w/Jake Bush in Concert

Joe Nichols with Jake Bush and Mark Mackay, The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill, 511 S Eighth St, 8:30—10:30 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets. 

Saturday, October 21

Waco’s Downtown Farmer’s Market

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The Waco Downtown Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m.1 p.m. and is located at 500 Washington Ave. This market features locally grown and produced goods from farmers and artisans within 150 miles of Waco. There is always live music and a featured local organization each week. For more information regarding upcoming events and weekly vendors visit their website.

3rd Annual Mt. Mclane Race

Head over to Mclane Stadium, 1001 S M.L.K Blvd, for the 3rd annual Mt. McLane 5k and 10k run. From 9—11 a.m., explore the riverfront and other unique views on this race route. Click here to register

Fall Fossil Festival 

Waco Mammoth National Monument, 6220 Steinbeck Bend Dr, is hosting its Fall Fossil Festival. From 10 a.m.—3 p.m., hear from paleontologists and get your hands on some real-life fossils! This free event will also feature pumpkin painting crafts, live camels, treats and other fun, family-friendly activities. 

Eastside Market

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Brotherwell Brewing is back with Eastside Market, 400 E Bridge St. Open each first and third Sunday of the month from 12 p.m.–5 p.m.,   the market will feature food trucks, local vendors, graffiti contests, music, and more. For more information, visit the Eastside Market website.

Baylor Volleyball: Baylor vs. UCF

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Baylor Volleyball is facing off against the University of Central Florida Knights at the Ferrell Center, 1900 South University Parks Drive, from 2—4 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets

Pursuit Whiskey Tasting

Join J.S. Barnett’s Whiskey House and their monthly whiskey club, Texas Whiskey Society for a special whiskey tasting. From 4—6 p.m., enjoy the taste of Pursuit Whiskey, all while learning about the spirit with fellow whiskey enthusiasts. The tasting is $25 for all non-members and is open to the public. RSVP at info@barnettspublichouse.com

Trunk or Treat

Skate Waco Bellmead, 500 N Loop 340, is organizing a Trunk-or-Treat. From 5:30—8:30 p.m., come enjoy an evening filled with costumes, candy and community. There will be a costume contest. 

Woofstock 23 Music & Comedy Festival

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Freight Bar, 1613 James Avenue, is partnering with Slap Stix for an amazing night of music, comedy, and delicious drinks in support of the Humane Society of Central Texas. From 5—11 p.m., come support furry friends across Central Texas. 

Comedy at the Brazos: A Stand-Up Comedy Showcase

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The Brazos Theatre, 7524 Bosque Blvd, welcomes back their stand-up headliner, Barry Whitewater for a night of fun and laughter at this comedy showcase. The showcase starts at 8 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets

Sunday, October 22

Sunday Funday @ Barnett’s 

 J.S. Barnett’s Whiskey House, 420 Franklin Avenue, is hosting its Sunday Funday from 10 a.m.—7 p.m. Come enjoy award-winning brunch and cocktails, live music, outdoor games and karaoke. 

Seafood Sunday

Brazos Landing, 100 North Interstate 35 Frontage Road, is hosting Seafood Sunday. Go in and take $3 off of their featured seafood dishes, such as their eggplant au gratin tower, shrimp and grits, Chilean sea bass or pecan-crusted catfish meunier. 

Sunday Funday @ Old Chicago

Head over to Old Chicago, 4641 South Jack Kultgen Expressway, from 8—11 p.m. for amazing food, drinks, cocktails and live music. 

Open Mic Night with Clinton Bon Slaughter, Lakeside Bar & Live Music, 6—11 p.m.